Chapter 759
Professor Mack’s blatant line-cutting immediately drew good-natured protests from Professor Hancock, Professor Zimmerman, and the other academics who were already deep in discussion with Charlene.
Professor Zimmerman playfully glared at him. “Mack, I didn’t stop you from saying hello, but we were in the middle of a serious conversation. The least you could do is wait your turn p>
Other heavyweights in the Al industry were also waiting for a moment with her.
Hearing this, one of them chuckled and chimed in, “Exactly. First come, first served, man. Have some shame and get to the back of the line p>
Watching the scene unfold, Vesta finally tore her eyes away.
She took a deep, shaky breath, forcing the suffocating wave of humiliation back down.
Both Dalton and Raleigh had been keeping a close watch on her. They had seen her eager attempt to engage Professor Mack, only to witness his dismissive brush- off in favor of his desperate scramble to reach Charlene.
They saw the flash of devastating loneliness and quiet endurance on Vesta’s face as the most brilliant minds in the industry flocked to her rival.
Charlene was surrounded by rings of top-tier academic and tech leaders. Even if Dalton and Raleigh tried to ignore her side of the room, it was impossible not to feel the sheer magnitude of her influence today.
And it was clear that these elite professionals weren’t pandering; they genuinely respected her expertise.
Seeing Vesta so crestfallen while Charlene basked in glory left a bitter taste in both men’s mouths.
Especially for Raleigh.
If Professor Mack and the others
Mack
were this desperate to consult with Charlene, it meant her skills were undeniable But in Raleigh’s mind every ounce of her current success was built on opportunities stolen directly from Vesta.
If Vesta had been the one to enter PrimeStar Technologies-if she had been the one mentored and supported by Stewart and Mr. Kenton Wagner her natural
vel
brilliance would have far surpassed anything Charlene could ever
achieve.
Seeing Vesta’s quiet devastation, Raleigh and Dalton were about to drop their own conversations and go comfort her. But Thorne, who
been talking business nearby mean
noticed her shifting mood first, the stepped closer his brow furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong? Not having a good time p>
Vesta snapped out of her daze and forced a small smile. “No, I’m fine. Just lost in thought p>
Thorne had pressing matters to discuss, so he took her word for it and didn’t push. Seeing Thorne step in, Raleigh and Dalton stopped in their tracks, hanging back.
A female colleague standing next to Raleigh noticed where he was looking. “Is that your old junior from college? Her boyfriend is so successful, and he clearly dotes on her. Must be nice p>
Raleigh offered a low hum of agreement.
It was true. Even if Vesta had been robbed of an incredible career opportunity, she still had Thorne—a man who was exceptional in every way. At the very least, she was cherished in her personal life.
The tech conference was scheduled for two days. Although Charlene, Stewart, Thorne, and Vesta had all arrived early that morning, the four of them hadn’t exchanged a single word.
It wasn’t until noon, when the organizers put together a VIP lunch, that Charlene, Stewart, and Thorne were all invited to the same table.
Ever since the incident with Professor Mack, a heavy gloom had settled over Vesta.
The absolute last thing she wanted was to sit through a lunch listening to a table full of industry titans shower Charlene with endless praise.